Are train tracks called rails?
Jan 15, 2026
Rail track is an essential component of rail track, and its function is to guide the train wheels moving forward by withstanding the enormous pressure pushed by the wheels. Steel rail shall provide smooth, stable and continuous rolling surface for the passing train wheels. In electrical railway or automatic block section, railway track can also be used as track circuit.
Are train tracks called rails?
In railway engineering, a steel rail is a precisely rolled steel profile installed in parallel lines to provide a guiding and load-bearing surface for train wheels, while transmitting vertical and lateral forces to sleepers and then to ballast or slab foundations. Unlike casual usage, where people may say "rails" to mean the whole line, technically the rail is only one critical component of the complete railway track system. In modern railways, steel rails are manufactured to strict international standards and paired with fastening systems, sleepers, and foundations to form a safe and durable track structure.
In everyday language, people often call the entire track "rails," but in engineering terms this is not accurate.
A railway track includes rails, sleepers (ties), fastening systems, and the supporting structure (ballast or concrete slab). The rail refers only to the steel running profile that directly contacts the wheel tread and flange.
Railway Track vs. Rail - Structural Difference
| Item | Engineering Meaning | Main Function |
|---|---|---|
| Rail | Steel profile (head, web, foot) | Guides wheels and carries wheel loads |
| Sleeper (Tie) | Concrete or timber support | Maintains gauge and distributes loads |
| Fasteners | Clips, bolts, plates, pads | Fix rails to sleepers, control vibration |
| Track (System) | All above components combined | Ensures stable and safe train operation |
What Is the Actual Purpose of a Rail?
The steel rail performs three essential technical functions: guidance, load transfer, and continuity.
First, the rail head geometry ensures stable wheel guidance, especially in curves and turnouts. Second, the rail web and foot transmit vertical and lateral loads to the fastening system and sleepers. Third, rails form a continuous running surface, minimizing rolling resistance and impact loads at joints or welds.
Typical Rail Steel Grades by Standard:
| Standard System | Common Grades | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| GB (China) | U71Mn, U75V, U78CrV | Heavy haul, metro, crane rail |
| EN 13674-1 | R260, R350HT | European mainline and high-speed |
| UIC 860 | 900A, 1100 | International mainlines |
| AREMA / ASTM | 900A, 1100 | North American freight corridors |
| JIS | JIS rail steel grades | Urban and industrial railways |
Steel Rails-Hot Standards from GNEE RAIL
| Standard | Sepc. | Material Typical Grade |
| UIC860 | UIC54 | 700,900A,900B |
| UIC60 | ||
| EN13674.1 | 5.00E+02 | R200,R350HT,R260Mn,R35LHT,R320Cr,R370CrHT |
| 5.40E+02 | ||
| 6.00E+02 | ||
| 6.00E+03 | ||
| BS-11-1985 | BS80A | 700,900A,900B |
| BS90A | ||
| BS100A | ||
| AREMA | 115RE | SS,HH,LA,IH |
| 136RE | ||
| ASCE60 | U71Mn | |
| ASCE85 | U71Mn | |
| GB 2585-2007 | 50kg/m | U71Mn |
| 60kg/m | U75V | |
| 75kg/m | ||
| TB/T2344-2012 | 50kg/m | U71Mn,U75V,U77MnCr |
| 60kg/m | U78CrV | |
| 75kg/m | ||
| GB 11264-1989 | 8kg/m | Q235 |
| 12kg/m | Q235 | |
| 15kg/m | 55Q, Q235 | |
| 18kg/m | 55Q, Q235 | |
| 22kg/m | 55Q, Q235 | |
| 24kg/m | 55Q, Q235 | |
| 30kg/m | 55Q, Q235 | |
| 38kg/m | 50Mn, U71Mn | |
| 43kg/m | 50Mn, U71Mn | |
| GB Crane rails | QU70 | U71Mn |
| QU80 | U71Mn | |
| QU100 | U71Mn | |
| QU120 | U71Mn |
